Oakland’s first Asian-American mayor, Jean Quan, has authorized violent police raids on the Occupy Oakland encampment. For many protestors of color, the move raised questions about the face—and complexion—of the power they’re fighting.

A dramatic rollback in transparency laws five years ago left California residents with no way to monitor police misconduct complaints—and thus prevent future violence. A Colorlines.com investigation finds Oakland is one of the cities left most vulnerable.